Expanding Interests

Written by Erika Ford (BCBA/Registered Psychologist/MA Psychology) –

One of the ways children develop is through their expanding interests and engagement in play. By developing new and diverse play activities or experiences, we can foster important and pervasive changes in a child’s overall development. As Temple Grandin pointed out “kids have to be exposed to different things in order to develop.” Exposure is key and it is our job as parents and educators to expose our children to new experiences. It is our job to support our children in their learning. Read more “Expanding Interests”

Fostering independence

Written by Kristina Spasovski (BCBA/Registered Psychologist/Master of Science in Psychology) –

When children are born they are solely dependent on others, all their needs are met by those who care for them. Infants and young children rely on others for feeding, toileting, bathing, dressing, and beyond. Parents and caregivers are initially the people we solely rely on, our care providers, the ones who meet all our needs.

Read more “Fostering independence”

Talk me through it: The importance of communication with challenging behaviour

Written by Jenna Cunneen (BCBA/Registered Psychologist/Master of Arts in Applied Psychology)

Challenging behaviour is one of the biggest barriers to learning and can be one of the most stressful aspects for anyone who has or supports children. It is widely recognised that challenging behaviour is more prevalent and more severe in children who have an intellectual disability. The important thing to remember is that, for the most part, challenging behaviour is a form of communication – especially in those who experience delayed language. Its deciphering what is being communicated that can be the tricky part and can sometimes, but not always, require professional guidance.

Read more “Talk me through it: The importance of communication with challenging behaviour”

Opening your child’s world with play

Written by Aimee Houston (BCBA/Registered Psychologist/Master of Science) –

One of the biggest questions I get asked in my job is how I stop a certain behaviour from occurring. More often than not, the answer lies with what your child could be doing instead. A core diagnostic criterion associated with autism is that the child can become rigid and display repetitive actions. You could see how this could lead to our children developing limited play skills and not particularly enjoying exploration of new activities.

Read more “Opening your child’s world with play”